Big Board ranking: #55
Positional ranking: #6
Overview
Position: LB
College: Michigan
Class: Junior (RS)
Age: 21
Measurables
Height: 6’1 1/4″
Weight: 245 lbs.
Arm length: 33 5/8”
Hand size: 9 1/2″
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: N/A
Vertical jump: N/A
Broad jump: N/A
Bench press: 18 reps
3-cone drill: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Strengths
Smooth and versatile defender. Great length for his frame. Quick first step. Plus acceleration and closing burst. Violent getting after the quarterback. Knows how to use length to his advantage. Flashes good bend as a finisher. Can rush from either side of the formation. Has been productive in a limited role. Comes hard down the line of scrimmage to play the run as a backside defender. High motor. Hustles to the action. Plays with requisite physicality/aggressiveness. Very good play recognition. Strong and reliable tackler. Brings added value as an off-ball linebacker. Remarkable athleticism in space for an edge defender. Easy mover dropping back in zone coverage. Comfortable as a rover.
Weaknesses
Lacks an assortment of pass rush moves. Basically a straight-line rusher with movement skills translating better in space. Could add more strength overall. Only started one season at Michigan.
NFL comparison
Bruce Irvin
Conclusion
Overall, Uche is a versatile edge defender that lacks refinement as a pass rusher but has the traits to be molded into a standout outside linebacker in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. Ideally, he will land with a team that allows him to both get after the quarterback and drop back in coverage.
Good football player.
Joel Klatt liked Uche I believe. Take that as you will.
That’s a plus Klatt is great.
Solid pick outside top 50